Shrewsbury School is bringing its tradition of excellence to Hong Kong with a purpose-built campus
in Tseung Kwan O

When King Edward VI founded Shrewsbury School in 1552, he probably didn’t imagine its reach would extend much beyond the West Midlands of England. Now, in addition to a sister school in Bangkok, Shrewsbury plans to open a primary school in Hong Kong in 2018.

Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong in Tseung Kwan O will offer primary education for students between the ages of three and 11, with an emphasis on fostering a sense of community.

“Community stands at the heart of everything we offer at Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong—education here is driven by the benefits of collaboration,” says school principal Ben Keeling.

“We will encourage our students to explore the ideas, principles and beliefs of others, while developing a refined understanding of their own strengths.”

In terms of academic strengths, there will be a keen focus on mastering language proficiency through a programme of study based upon the English National Curriculum.

“Our lessons learned over the past decade tell us that the development of high-order language proficiency requires sustained, focused and daily attention on the four key skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening,” says Stephen Holroyd, director of schools for Shrewsbury International Asia.

As well as language, STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) will also feature, with a purpose-built science laboratory on campus, while the arts will be taught within specialised studio spaces.

There will be no shortage of space at Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong. The building encompasses six floors and facilities include a sports hall that measures over 5,800sqft, a music room that can seat up to 23 students, and a 710sqft drama studio.

Scroll through the gallery to see the school's facilities:

The proposed design of the new Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong

Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong from the south

The lobby entrance

The auditorium

An example of a classroom, featuring an open layout and natural light

The library

An example of a lab, with natural light and built-in facilities

The rooftop football pitch

Physical education will take place in the gymnastics centre, sports hall with a custom-built running track, aquatics centre and rooftop football pitch. The school’s location in Tseung Kwan O, meanwhile, will provide ample opportunity for field trips to nearby hiking trails and parks.

“The value we place in offering an enriching curriculum can be seen through our facilities designed to promote physical, emotional and cultural development,” says Keeling.

“This will be primary education like you’ve never seen it before.”

He adds that the school’s connection with the English National Curriculum will provide a rigorous structure to accurately gauge student performance. “It allows for helpful school performance comparisons, improves consistency when reporting to parents and dovetails neatly into a range of other academic systems.”

Of course, the traditions and values of the British Shrewsbury School, where Charles Darwin was once a student, will be very much a part of the Hong Kong school, starting with the hiring process—staff interviews will be conducted at the campus in Shropshire. In Hong Kong, Sir David Lees, former chairman of the Court of the Bank of England, will head up Shrewsbury International Hong Kong’s Board of Governors.

Photo: Courtesy of Shrewsbury International

Support for students preparing to enter secondary school will also be a priority, and staff at Shrewsbury International will provide ample guidance to students and their parents throughout the whole process.

“Shrewsbury International will provide a bespoke service for student transition,” says Keeling.

“We will work closely with families, offering local and international expertise, to identify a personalised educational pathway for each student. These individual meetings ensure that every application receives the proper support; that each child is received into a system that allows them to thrive."

“Our aim is that every one of our students leaves with strong core skills and a wide skills base drawn from the multitude of opportunities offered both within and beyond the boundaries of the school facility.”

This article was originally published in the 2017 issue of the Hong Kong Tatler Schools' Guide.